In the past, Singapore's economic prowess was attributed to a highly disciplined workforce, aided by a populace that (purportedly) preferred growth over democratic rights, and enabled by a no-nonsense, autocratic style of governance. Ironically, such a regimented approach is undoing much of what has been accomplished.

This week, the White House held a Summit on Combating Violent Extremism. Walking through the Albuquerque airport on the day of the Summit, I was surprised to see a TV headline ask the question, "Is ISIS a religious group?" It is an absurd question. Of course it is a religious group.

This is not what democracy looks like -- secret trade deals rammed through in record time that guarantee fat corporate profits, but likely result in net job loss and wage competition that leads to pay stagnation in the U.S. for years to come.

Reading and watching news of Syriza party's attempts to renegotiate a bailout agreement with the EU and ease austerity in what they term a humanitarian crisis for the Greek people, I've traded doubt and discomfort for a new feeling: respect.

The government is working on multiple fronts to build a better future by empowering their citizens to succeed in the new economy: educating for the 21st century, promoting entrepreneurship and the creative economy and innovating for inclusion.

In an industry where people often take themselves too seriously, or even define their own existence by their job title, it's easy to dismiss this challenge with a flippant, "Just avoid everyone on Wall Street." Fair enough.

With support from Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank and a local homeless shelter, Dana Knight overcame homelessness with her health and dignity intact. For several months this past fall, Dana lived in the strange world of victimization and kindness that hundreds of Grand Rapids' homeless live in every day.

Last week, Philadelphia became the 20th location in the U.S. to enact a law guaranteeing that workers can earn paid sick days. It's the third time City Council has passed such a measure, but the first time the mayor will sign it.

There is history--the facts of events--and then there is myth and fable--the essence of things, the narratives that shape our understanding of complex events inspiring, motivating, rallying and galvanizing us as people and nations.

Sometimes the sky doesn't fall. It lifts. Acting on climate change is reaping incredible benefits for California. Ultimately, none of the AB 32 dooms-day scenarios came true. Now, more than ever, we should not buy into conservatives' Chicken Little politics on environmental policy. They were wrong in the past and they are wrong now.

Clinton in 2016 could have the same effect as Reagan in 1980 and 1984: recruiting Democratic candidates, inspiring Democratic supporters and winning an electoral landslide. Reagan would be embarrassed by Republicans today.

The study suggests several public policy strategies to close socio-economic gaps that affect academic performance, including greater investment in early childhood care and education, criminal justice reform and family-friendly workplaces.